The Weaving Force: Chapter 43 (Patreon)

Chapter 43:

Taylor:

Vicky was angry.

The revelation from Master Plo that the Jedi Council had known about the Parahumans on Mandalore for years had shocked her. Then, after the shock- came anger.

I was in a similar boat truth be told; while I certainly didn’t get along with every Master on the Council, and there were quite a few that I felt were high off their own product there were a few that I respected and maybe had even grown to trust to a degree. Yaddle and Windu being among them.

That had taken a hit; and with the reneging of our rather tacit agreement; seconds after I found out all those ‘bug free zones’ including the Council chamber were a lot less bug free and they would stay that way.

Piell, Billaba, Poof, Mundi and Tiin had complained to Master Plo- all but demanding the Kel Dor “reign me in”

Plo’s refusal had been… firm.

They’d complained to Master Yoda later; but the little green man had regained some points in my estimation when he simply answered ‘Consequences, actions have.’

Windu had been the only one to pull my coat about the situation; but he’d done so in front of Vicky; who at the time had very few qualms about airing out her own grievances and feelings about what they’d done and where exactly Windu could take his ‘concerns’.

Needless to say; their Council chamber along with everywhere else in the temple I could reach were still bugged.

After a handful of days, when I considered things and brought up the possibility later that the Jedi might start talking about kicking us out if I kept this up Vicky’s sentiment had been quite straightforward.

‘If they do- fuck them -we’ll figure something out.’

That’s when I knew she was really angry; more than she had been in a while. More than even I was.

It wasn’t hard to figure out why.

On some level I’d expected this. Or perhaps less expected and more that I wasn’t surprised by it. People in power wanted to feel like they were in control, regardless of anything else.

So the Council acting in a way that made them feel like they controlled something in this situation was just par for the course really. So it didn’t surprise me.

Disappointed; yes. But not surprised.

Vicky on the other hand had been surprised.

More than that she was hurt by it. Especially when she realized that Yoda had kept that secret.

Regardless of how he may have voted he’d done that. And he’d done it for years.

That part especially hurt her.

All their inside jokes, their antics and smiles had evaporated almost overnight with Vicky giving Yoda a very cold shoulder.

Yoda himself wasn’t unaffected by it either. The old grandmaster had been morose of late, his slouch more pronounced, his days filled with long silences. As angry as I myself was at all of this it was… sad.

He’d just lost his student and in the span of a day had lost, perhaps one of the few people he genuinely considered a friend. Someone who didn’t view him as some untouchable ‘Grandmaster’ but rather just ‘Yoda’.

A part of me- a large part of me -wanted to let them sort it out themselves; if they ever did. I was hardly an expert on friendships and forgiving betrayals. I infact; thought that one betrayal was already one too many and Vicky couldn’t let herself trust him again.

But a bigger part of me hated seeing Vicky miserable even more.

Yoda wasn’t her only friend in the temple of course. Vicky made friends easily; but she and Yoda had a different sort of friendship that Aayla, Keto, Ani or anyone else simply couldn’t fill in the same way.

Perhaps it was a relationship she wished she could have had with her distant mother or depressed father, or maybe it was as simple as Yoda being one of the only people besides Ani who liked to indulge in her antics and actively join in on them when he could.

Either way; the loss of that probably hurt her as much as the Council’s actions had.

So; on the day before we were set to leave to Mandalore, I sucked up my own reservations and went to try and… fix this.

Still; I had to make sure of one thing before I tried.

The gardens were occupied, Knights, Padawans. I made use of my… reputation. Staring down at several of those I knew to be particularly fond of gossip and eavesdropping and making them beat feet rather quickly out of my sight.

I walked deeper into the tranquil place.

At the heart of the Gardens, I found Yaddle in her favorite spot.

She sensed me approaching; I saw her ears twitch in that telltale way of hers before she opened her eyes, looking to me with a placid, resigned sort of sorrow.

I didn’t say anything as I drew close, instead I took a seat beside her, staring out into the gardens rather than at her.

Distantly, I recognized our places as the same as those we’d shared just a week or so ago on the mission to deal with the separatists.

Yaddle remained seated in silence, waiting patiently for me to say what I came here to say.

Finally, I took a deep breath. “I want to ask you something, and I need to know you’re telling the truth.”

I reached out.

Not with my hand, no; but rather the force, my presence and spirit brushing across the surface of Yaddle’s mind.

I knew enough about Jedi to know that this was not done. It was invasive; and usually, taken as a brazen insult of the highest order.

Right now I didn’t care.

If she refused, this conversation was over, as was my short lived desire to interfere.

Better Vicky be upset than exploited.

We’d get through it.

But Yaddle didn’t even start, I didn’t even sense the barest flicker of surprise across her surface thoughts before the gates of her mind opened, unbarred and unguarded.

There was nothing that could shield her now.

I felt myself hesitate, just a bit. Frankly; I didn’t genuinely think she’d acquiesce.

“How did everyone vote?” I asked.

“Hmmm. Master Yoda and Myself wished to tell you.”

“But you didn’t.” I cut in.

“No.” She sighed. “Master Windu, Master Billaba, Master Gallia, abstained.”

Leaving the other Six to say ‘No’. Even if those three hadn’t abstained, they still would have won without Plo’s vote to leave it deadlocked.

Is that why they pushed him out? To make sure the vote couldn’t be prevented from going their way?

Still.

“You lied to our faces for years.” I accused. “Smiling; pretending we were friends, all the while you were treating us like rabid animals.

Finally the old woman opened her eyes, turning to look at me.

“Better it would have been- to prove those who mistrust you right?” She asked. “A self fulfilling prophecy, you would prefer, hmmm?”

“That’s not what would have happened.” I argued. “Vicky and I have never been anything but sincere with all of you.”

“Treated us well, you have.” She nodded. “But would you have done so, if treated you poorly we did?” She asked.

I frowned.

Yaddle shook her head. “To deceive you, it was not. Rather, to show others their error it was.” She nodded, affirming her next words. “Good you are. Knew that, many have. But showing that; we needed to do.”

“And yet only two of you voted to tell us the truth.”

“Early this was-” She defended. “Many, I’m sure, stand by you now; they would.”

She believed what she was saying. I, needless to say; had my doubts.

I took a deep breath. The next words felt cliche and trite; but I had to ask anyway.

“Was it all just to prove a point?” I asked. “Political pieces being moved around for you two?”

“No.” She denied firmly. “Not for me, or for Master Yoda.”

I took another deep, slow breath; thinking about what to ask her, racking my brain and trying to take advantage of this moment where I had unfiltered access to genuine truth.

But my mind came up blank, My doubts and concerns seemingly… small.

Maybe I wanted some of it to have been real too.

I sighed, my mental touch receeding from the surface of Yaddle’s thoughts, fingers pulling back from the pulse point.

I found what I came here for.

I stood up and wondered if I should say something.

I was angry still. But I didn’t want to be.

“Thank you.” I finally forced out, legs stiff and spine straight. “Good afternoon Master Yaddle.

I walked away.

—

Minutes later, as I made my way down the halls I felt a smile tugging at my lip long before I actually reached my destination. With my bugs giving me a sneak peek at what my eyes would see.

It was difficult to focus through the increased noise level around here but oh I managed.

“And I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow your temple down!”

I rounded the corner and the stupid little smile just refused to slide off my face as I was treated to the sight of Vicky acting out the three little pigs. Complete with exaggerated movements and monster voices.

She caught sight of me as she turned, ready to “huff and puff” them smiled brightly as I raised an eyebrow.

“Hi Miss Taylor!” A lot of the little ones called  in chorus.

“Hi kids.” I answered, before turning my attention back to Vicky. She tossed me a wink and then continued the retelling.

I let her finish the retelling, complete with all the embellishments and… dramatics. Some of the younger kids ohhed and ahhed when there was a very source material accurate lightsaber duel, with one little girl at the front row squeezing Angelica a bit tighter, much to the hug bugs squirming delight.

The whole scene was… beautiful in a way.

She wasn’t done by the time Beq returned, and the Creche-Master was forced to wait until the retelling was done with a very confused sort of half smile on his face as he stood beside me.

But then, of course, it was done and it was time to put the kids to bed for their afternoon nap.

Vicky collected Angellica, smiling megawatt bright as she accepted all the goodbye hugs from her adoring fans shortly before they filed out of the room for nap time.

“You know-” I commented drily “-I don’t particularly remember the three little piggies being accosted by a wolf named Kong Prell nor the wolf being able to use the force.” I said archly.

Vicky’s smile was megawatt bright. “You heard the wrong story then!”

“Oh, I’m sure.” I smirked. Pong Krell was one Jedi who made his dislike for us well known; though I’m fairly sure its because both me and Vicky were more than willing and able to put the arrogant bastard in his place when he often went from taciturn to abusive towards his fellow Jedi.

I’m fairly sure we cost him his promotion to Master when Vicky punched him out.

She got in trouble then, but not in as much trouble as Krell was when they found the litany of bruises across his Padawan’s body.

He was rather lucky Vicky broke his jaw. I would have done far worse if she’d have let me.

Vicky smiled as she walked up to me, Angelica now in her arms, the little mushrooms tiny claws wrapped firmly around her torso. “What’s up?’ She asked

I reached out, single finger scratching the fuzz on Angelica’s head and hearing her squeal in happiness.

Then I looked to Vicky. “You should go talk to Yoda.”

She blinked, confused, as if she didn’t understand what was being said, then a flash of sadness quickly overtaken by naked incredulity.

“Wait wait wait-” She held up her hand. “You- are telling me to go up and forgive Green-bean for lying to us!? You!?” She repeated. “The girl who’s admitted to me of having all the trust issues!?”

I didn’t blame her for the reaction; I just nodded.

“Yes.” I answered simply, reaching over to pluck Angelica from her, feeling the little bug’s soothing light side presence thread its way over my own force signature. It made things easier honestly. “You’re miserable holding a grudge.”

With her hands unoccupied, Vicky huffed as she crossed her arms. “Its a grudge well earned.” She bit out, her brow furrowing. “I thought we were friends Tay. Friends don’t do that shit to eachother.”

“No.They don’t.” I didn’t disagree. “But would it help you feel better to know he was one of the few who voted to tell you outright.”

“He still lied.” She answered mullishly.

“He did.” I didn’t disagree with that either. “I’m not here to argue his case. I’m just here to ask you to talk it out. If after you do that you wanna punt him across Corrusant I’ll back you. If after that you wanna go back to making the other Masters pull their hair out between the two of you; I’ll back that too. But I don’t like seeing you miserable.”

“I’m not!” She protested.

I raised a slender eyebrow.

“Vicky. You ate a whole tub of icecream yesterday.”

“... It was good icecream.”

“It was my icecream.” I retorted drily.

“Sharing is caring!”

“You hate Neopolitan.”

“So many flavors makes it so you can’t really appreciate any one of- I mean-I can change my mind!”

—---

She did go and talk to Yoda, in the end.

It took a bit more prodding; but not as much as it could have been. Vicky… wasn’t like Amelia. She didn’t like holding grudges.

I offered them privacy when Vicky finally reached the old Grandmaster somehow it felt…like a violation if I stayed. So I pulled my insects back, letting them speak without the need to worry about me eavesdropping as usual.

Instead I distracted myself with something I hadn’t done in a while.

Cooking.

The apartments in the Jedi temple were just that; apartments. They had bedrooms, bathrooms, living rooms and kitchens.

The kitchens went seldom used by many Jedi, mostly because  the communal mess hall existed and many Jedi didn’t know how to cook at all but they still existed for when someone wanted something specific or even for (heaven forbid) recreation. Master Billaba for example, was something of an amateur cook, not that she could get over her embarrassment to share that with anyone.

But today, I felt that itch. I wanted to make something, to remind myself that I could after… everything.

Angellica, watched curiously from the table, big black eyes following me as I flitted about this way and that way gathering ingredients. I was half worried the little bug would get hurt by trying to hug me or something while I was cooking, but there was, seemingly, more intelligence than I’d given her credit for.

Either that or the hot stove was scaring her off.

Either or.

So, by the time Vicky came back and opened the door I wasn’t surprised to hear- “I’m ba- Oh, it smells good in here!”

“Hmm.” I hummed in acknowledgement from my place on the couch, dataslate in hand. “How’d it go?”

Vicky offered me a small, barely there smile. “It's… better. I don’t think I’m totally ok yet but-” She shrugged. “Thanks by the way. For making this happen and for making the bugs back off.”

I nodded, then gave her my full attention. “So… now that the crises, the fights, the funerals and my being in the hospital are done with- Mandalore.” I commented.

Vicky’s grin turned sheepish. “Yeah…” She sighed “I guess we didn’t really get a chance to talk over a game plan there huh?”

“You told me you found Clockblocker and Militia-” I said “And sensed a third out in space.”

“Yeah.” She nodded, flopping down on the seat beside me. “I… didn’t really ask for specifics I was still kinda hung up on the whole, you nearly dying part.”

I nodded. I wasn’t happy about it; but I understood and part of me appreciated her concern on some level.

Still… Clockblocker and Miss Militia.

“That makes four Brocktonites.” I said. “If the other is from brockton as well… it may have been something local that brought us here.” I answered. As it was, even without the definitive confirmation of knowing the third person; I was already leaning towards that theory. What were the odds otherwise?”

Vicky shrugged. “Your guess is as good as mine.”

Hmmm…

Angelica hopped up onto Vicky’s lap. “Hi sweetie.” She cooed, skittering legs finding a comfortable spot before the shroom plopped itself down.

“Depending on how much they remember things might get… awkward.” I warned, then winced at the *severe* downplaying.

Shit; did they remember what happened to Vicky herself? I’d have to warn them about telling her.

Vicky didn’t need that bullshit hanging over her.

Vicky’s concerned look was… warranted. “You had run ins with them as Skitter?”

I tried not to wince at the name and was somewhat proud of the fact that I only had to close my eyes as a reaction this time.

“Skitter and Weaver.” I answered. I wasn’t sure about Khepri. I didn’t want to be sure about Khepri. The less time examining those memories…

Vicky scooted closer, one arm wrapping around my waist as she pulled me close to her side in a one armoed hug, head dipping to half rest on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry.” She whispered. “They might not remember. And if they do… you’re not the person they remember anyway.”

That was true. Or at least I wanted it to be true.

“They’ll accept that.” She assured me. Then, she shrugged. “And if they don’t- screw them.” She said with firm finality. “We’ve come this far on our own.”

The words made me feel like an apple had lodged in my throat. I couldn’t say why but it did. My hand reached up, bending inwards to grip at Vicky’s shoulder in appreciation; though I couldn’t bring myself to speak for a moment.

“Thanks.” I finally forced myself to answer; hearing the ‘ding’ of the oven timer. “Come on. Lets eat.”

I moved to stand but Vicky held me in place.

Looking at her I caught an already forming apology on her smiling lips.

I frowned. “What did you do?”

(X)(X)(X)

It turns out what she did was invite people to come to Mandalore with us.

Now. This wouldn’t be a problem on its own. Understanding the history of the Jedi and Mandalore itself would tell anyone that the Jedi would want to foster healthy relations with a Warrior race that had basically been in an ongoing “off again/on again” conflict with the Jedi for… several millenia at this point in order to make a genuine truce, or even something of a friendship.

So someone coming with us to Mandalore wasn’t an issue.

Even if that someone was a tiny Grandmaster who hadn’t exactly gotten off my shitlist just yet.

No the problem… it wasn’t even the other person invited.

After all, someone who knew the Duchess of Mandalore personally was a pretty important asset to have in negotiations. That was reasonable.

No. The problem was-

“So I get to pilot right? Vicky promised I could pilot”

My glare could have melted tank armor. Vicky’s nervous laugh and Obi-Wan rapidly trying to warn his apprentice on who exactly was now standing behind him did nothing to make me feel any happier.

(X)(X)(X)

‘Look, Clock- I have to go check on Tay. We’ll meet up later I promise’

In the ensuing days… clock had gotten fairly sure that Tay was a perfectly normal common name across the galaxy.

There was Tayvia, Taylon, Tayzul, Tayvul, Tayrix. All sorts of names that started with ‘Tay’ across the entire spectrum of species.

So there was no reason- absolutely no reason the second he heard ‘Tay’ he should have felt like he was about to have a sheer panic attack induced stroke.

He’d felt fine when he heard it of course. Still high on adrenaline, still taking stock and helping Mandalorians drag their injured into his ship so they could rest up and get treated.

It's only after- you know, when he’s lying in bed that night, utterly exhausted and ready to sleep for three days that his brain decides that was the perfect moment drop the bomb that wouldn’t let him get a wink of sleep.

Because ‘Fuck you Dennis’ was apparently the order of the day.

And so he’s been running around in circles in his own head.

For five days.

‘It can’t be her.’ He’d say one day. ‘I mean what are the odds’

Then he’d remember-

‘Fuck- long odds were her fucking specialty’

Hell, already what were the odds of HIM, who was supposed to be dead, Alexandria who was definitely supposed to be dead and Victoria who was a flesh sack last he heard all winding up here, mostly ‘hale and hearty’? The only odd one out was Miss Militia in the bad boo-boo department. And even then the fact that she was also from Brockton and that they’d found eachother in a Galaxy- the odds again turned astronomical so that just evened out completely.

And he’d start going in mental circles all over again

Miss M noticed of course. So did fucking Alexandria, because of course she did.

So when they finally got confirmation that Vicky was on her way alongside Obi-Wan Satine’s ‘Sexual-Tension-Dance-Partner’ -No, they weren’t obvious about it- and Anakin, Shmi’s son- Alexandria, alongside Miss M. finally confronted him.

They caught him outside the hangar bay; no he hadn’t been about to go hide in his ship or contemplate heading out for an emergency mission… elsewhere. Why do you ask?

“There’s something bothering you.” The Brute observed.

“We’re concerned Dennis.”

He almost snorted. Nah Miss M. was concerned, he highly doubted the same could be said about Alexandria.

Still- he looked at the woman, face stern and serious as she eyed him.

As much as he disliked her; he wasn’t so cruel or petty that he thought her death should be rubbed in her face. Not any more than his death should be weaponized or trivialized against him.

If who he thought was tagging along with Vicky turned out to be correct then-

Alexandria’s eyes narrowed. “You know who’s coming with the Dallon girl.”

“I might know.” He stressed. “I might know who’s coming with her.”

“And your suspicion is making you very concerned.”

Miss M grew serious at that. “Is it a villain? Someone violent.”

Oh boy how to answer that question.

Alexandria answered for him.

“It seems its rather complicated-” She drawled.

Dennis snorted. “Yeah… yeah that just about fits.” The absurdity of simply labeling Taylor Hebert as ‘Complicated’ was enough to make him smirk, almost enough to make him laugh.

Depending on which ‘version’ of her landed here…

His eyes flitted towards Alexandria then looked away.

Holy shit did he really not want to be here.

Still, she must’ve read whatever in his expression; seeing as how her eyes narrowed again.

“Your concern… it has to do with me” She frowned. “This Parahuman and I have some histor-”

Her eyes widened.

Her breath caught.

For the first time… ever he saw the shadow of genuine fear pass over Alexandria’s face as the breaths she took were deep, and loud as though she were actively reminding herself that she could breathe.

Militia noticed, how could she not. “What is it? What’s wrong!?” She asked.

Dennis winced. “I think the person coming here with Vicky is Taylor Hebert.”

Understandably, Militia was confused. “Who?”

“The girl who killed me.” Alexandria answered, eyes narrowed into slits and fists clenched so tightly they were shaking at her side.

Miss M.’s eyes went wide.

Dennis nodded.

“Yeah…” He sighed. “Yeah that about sums it up.”

(X)(X)(X)

Ok... sooooooooo

*pokes fingers together*

So I *know* I promised that there would be a reunion this chapter but this chap... kinda sprang up fully formed on its own really.As I started writing, I realized that A) I kinda want/need Yoda to meet with Satine, for future developments that need to be seeded now; so he had to be there, but given the events of the previous chapter I couldn't just *pretend* nothing happened and he and Vicky would just pick up where they left off because that would be jarring as all hell.

And as I wrote I realized I really wanted to show Tay and Vicky's relationship *without* the ever present fear of death and dismemberment around them and how they support eachother and cover eachother's 'flaws' and blind-spots.

So like I said, this chapter was birthed almost fully from the ether, whole cloth with zero pre-planing.

And I must say I'm kinda proud of it :D

So I'm sorry that the meeting will have to wait for one more chapter but our girls are already on their way to mandalore and with Anakin *not* piloting they have a solid chance to get there with a wholly intact ship =D

Also, I know the Jedi council is on everyone's badside right now but I'd like to explain the reasoning behind the votes and why people voted the way they did. I don't want anyone to mistake me for Council bashing I'm really trying not to and in context their decision makes sense.

Ok so;

1) Yoda and Yaddle- these two voted to tell them because again; they take the LONG view. Given their life times this is their default form of viewing things. Sometimes its a strength, sometimes its a weakness.

Even beyond whatever fondness they may have had for Vicky and Tay when they found out about the other parahumans they KNOW that secrets can't be kept forever, eventually they would HAVE to tell the girls what they discovered and the longer they waited the 'worse' they were going to take it.

So for the sake of sheer pragmatism they wanted to just come clean arly.

2) The abstentions.

Windu *agreed* with the ones who wanted to be cautious when dealing with the entities; not wanting to risk corruption of Queen administrator through Taylor's violent and dark side like emotional turmoil who could then in turn, possibly corrupt other entities. As the battle-master of the Jedi he HAS to consider tactical realities and the reality is that he isn't sure if they (as in the whole Jedi council) could actively contend with a Dark Side corrupted Queen Administrator, let alone Queen administrator and potentially four other shards, who for all he knows might be greater than QA.

The risk was too great.

Would he change his vote now? No. And that has nothing to do with how he feels about the girls its still all about the practical concerns about this much power (the entities) getting together and potentially becoming a massive threat, which isn't an unreasonable concern.

He abstained because he's typically in lock step with Yoda's choices, when he very clearly wasn't to avoid embarrassing the GM by brazenly disagreeing with him, he merely abstained.

Billaba followed Windu's lead, with Windu being her former master she suspected he might have good reasons for the abstention and given her own lack of information decided to err on the side of not sticking her foot in her mouth.

Gallia abstained because she felt she was too emotionally compromised to decide. Given her run in/fear of Queen Administrator when she, Yaddle and Plo went to rescue Taylor she was like "I am not objective at all so I'm not going to cast a vote"

3) The nay-votes.

Poof, Koth and Rancisis were conciliatory votes mostly. They understand that Piell, Tiin and Mundi were NOT happy with the decision to let either girl train to be Jedi and constantly deciding against them might begin to stoke actual resentment towards either the Council or the girls, so they tossed the three a 'free win' to show that "Hey look we can all compromise ok, everyone breathe.

Piell, Tiin and Mundi as I said are the opponents of the three girls, the most hard-line of the masters. And they had thoughts in similar veins to Windu. They wanted to MAKE SURE that now that Taylor and Vicky were being trained that their entities wouldn't become corrupted and just immediately corrupt the other three, best to take on and if need be *put down* QA and FO by themselves than risk QA, FO + three other shards when they were already unsure if they could do anything to just the two they had on hand.

And again; given the information they have that's not the wrong call. We may not like it because we're rooting for our girls but they are completely in the right to consider tactical realities.